Open pit mining is the method selected for the Mabilo mining operation. Pit optimization has demonstrated that application of this method results in favorable project economics. The method deploys conventional drilling, blasting, loading and hauling techniques to excavate and transport ore and waste materials.
Mining activities also include clearing of land, stripping and storage of topsoil, ore rehandle, pit dewatering, dust suppression and dump rehabilitation. All activities will be performed by mining contractors except for grade control, mine planning and mine management being undertaken by the mine owners.
Ultimate Pit Design
Some features of note:
• The deepest part of the pit is at -100 m RL, with a pit ramp exit at 115 m RL, making the pit 215 m deep.
• Ramps are located in the eastern wall at a gradient of 10%, utilizing switchbacks, except in the final single-lane sections.
• Single lane ramps with a maximum gradient of 12.5% were used to access the deepest parts of the orebody with minimal waste mining. The northern single lane ramp runs from 55 m RL to -0 m RL, or 55 meters depth, and the southern single lane ramps runs from - 30 m RL to -95 m RL, or 65 meters depth. These areas are located in fresh rock, below the Tumbaga Weathered geotechnical contact.
• Goodbye cuts are mined at 10 m width from the last level with bench access.
• Switchbacks have been located in line with catchment berms to minimize the w ........
